Qatar threatens to withdraw from oneworld, saying that American Airlines is hampering its growth

Civil Aviation Resource Network June 9, 2015: According to the Wall Street Journal, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker threatened to withdraw from a one-world airline alliance, saying that member of the alliance, American Airlines, tried to stop the company's business. development of.

Becker said in an interview at the IATA annual meeting: "A airline that once invited us to entertain us to join the oneworld is now against us, so it doesn't make sense to stay in oneworld. American Airlines' actions are hindering us. growth of."

The Middle East's Big Three, such as Qatar Airways, have encountered resistance from US and European competitors. Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines and European French-KLM and Lufthansa urged the government to stop further market expansion of Middle Eastern airlines, saying they accepted unfair government subsidies. In this regard, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways denied it.

Becker said that American Airlines' reservation system did not provide information to allow passengers to make appropriate transits. American Airlines also blocked Qatar Airways' A350 passenger aircraft from using the terminal at New York's JFK International Airport and has opened its second flight.

A US Airways spokesperson said: "The situation at JFK is not related to our current trade dispute. We have restricted the boarding gate at JFK and are considering Qatar Airways' requests, but it is difficult to make room," he added. Other alliance members also made similar requests, but they did not get consent.

At the IATA annual meeting, Becker also warned other airlines to stop their growth. “Any regression of free market access and sky open policies will affect the world and will lead to retaliatory protection measures.”

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said he had a meeting with Becker and had a friendly discussion, although the two sides had differences in market access. "Our dispute is not directed at any of the Big Three in the Middle East. It just wants the US government to strengthen its trade policy."